Sweden’s Witch Blade have returned from a long slumber on new album, Månsken. More varied–think vintage Wishbone Ash fused with mid-album era Judas Priest–than Oskuldernas Eld, Witch Blade’s sophomore slayer is exactly what fans of Swedish “hårdrock” and traditional heavy metal have been looking for but have yet to hear with such quality. In many respects because Witch Blade sing in Swedish, they feel like the future-gen of bands like November, Heavy Load, and starlets Gotham City.
Formed in Kristinehamn on the shores of lake Vänern in 2012, the Blade is the merger of two “Witch” bands, Witchlover and Witchhunter. Since then, the throwback rockers have found success in their organic projection of sonorous guitars, snazzy rhythms, and Joacim “Witchhunter” Lindblom’s forthright vocals that recall Christer Stålbrandt (November) and Tommy Alexandersson (Hällas), with a little Phil Lynott (Thin Lizzy) to boot. From opening track “Skuggornas Herre” to snake-like closer “Slavarnas Hämnd,” Månsken jams hard like it’s 1970-something.
Say Witch Blade: “Seven years have past since we released our first full-length ritual. We are excited to be back with a brand-new album! An eight track album filled with heavy riffs and witching melodies. We wanted to experiment with much more influences, and let ourselves bring in new sources of inspiration on this one. We are proud to give you Månsken!”
Jump into Witch Blade’s “hårdmetall”–you heard it here, folks–with platform boots and tight, open-chested shirts on Månsken
** Witch Blade’s new album Månsken is out October 21st on Dying Victims Productions. Pre-orders are live for vinyl, special edition vinyl, and CD. Pan-tang your order at Bandcamp (HERE).
